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Walk through treatment, diagnosis Hand-in-Hand

DONNA MURPHY, FOR IN THE PINK
Published 1:38 p.m. ET Oct. 5, 2017

New support group helps young women with breast cancer

Stacey Marando (left), social worker, and Mary Smith, oncology nurse and breast health navigator, co-facilitate the Hand-in-Hand support group for women age 45 or younger who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.(Photo: PHOTO BY MARTIN HEALTH SYSTEM)

Early this year, the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center at Martin Health started a support group for women age 45 and younger who have breast cancer. The group, called “Hand-in-Hand” was created to address the different needs younger women have when experiencing breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

“We found that younger women were often facing the challenges of raising a family and/or maintaining a career, and juggling all of these responsibilities along with breast cancer treatment,” said Stacey Marando, LCSW, a Martin Health social worker and one of the support group’s facilitators. “We felt it would be beneficial to provide an environment where they could share their issues and concerns with other women going through similar circumstances.”

Sofia Alvarez, of Indiantown, was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago at the age of 30. The mother of two young girls also juggles family responsibilities with a job as an assistant teacher. She began attending the support group three months ago.

“The support group addresses the emotional aspect of breast cancer, which I think is even harder than the diagnosis and treatment,” Alvarez said. “In our group, the women are so open, supportive and understanding.”

Marando, and her co-facilitator, Mary Smith, an oncology nurse and breast health navigator at Martin Health, provide support and guidance to the group’s participants. Each month, they focus on a particular topic and allow time for the group to ask questions or discuss concerns.

Kerrin Furnare of Palm City, received her breast cancer diagnosis last year at the age of 33. Like Alvarez, she is grateful for the emotional support she has found within the group.

“Every member of our group is in the same stage of life,” she said. “It’s so helpful to know I’m not alone.”

Both Marando and Smith say they feel privileged to be able to facilitate this support group.

“The strength of these ladies is remarkable,” said Smith. “Their willingness to open up and share very personal experiences with each other, in an effort to help one another, is something that truly never ceases to amaze us.”

The Hand-in-Hand support group is open to all women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are age 45 or younger. The group meets the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center, 501 E. Osceola St., Stuart. For more information, call 772 223-5945 ext. 13719.